Information for New International Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo (UH Hilo)! We look forward to seeing all of you on campus this coming semester. This page is designed to help you achieve the necessary tasks required to come to UH Hilo as an international student. Follow the steps below to do this.

Online Pre-Departure Orientation for New Students!

Check out the online orientation for new international students! All new international students should view the online orientation before coming to Hilo.

Submit your Intent to Enroll Form

Submit your Intent to Enroll form to the UH Hilo Admissions Office. This is important because it will enable you to create your MyUH student account and register for classes. (Note: International exchange students do not need to submit this form.)

Submit your Mandatory Health Requirements Form

Tuberculosis (TB) clearance. You must take a TB test at the University’s Student Medical Services when you arrive in Hilo. You must get the TB test in the United States. Even if you have had a TB test in your home country, you will be required to take a TB test when you arrive. If you test positive on the TB test you will be required to take a chest x-ray, which can cost $75 or more.

Arrange your Travel to Hilo

When should I arrive in Hilo?

Plan on arriving in Hilo on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. It is important that you arrive on January 2 because there will be a required meeting for all new international students on Thursday morning, January 3. The residence halls (dorms) on campus open for new students on January 1, 2019, so you may arrive in Hilo on January 1 and move in to the residence halls on January 1, however, you will need to take a taxi from the Hilo airport to campus. If you arrive in Hilo earlier than January 1, you will need to make arrangements to stay at a hotel until the residence halls open.

Submit the Airport Arrival Form Online

Will someone be at the airport in Hilo to pick me up?

Yes, we will provide free transportation from the Hilo airport to campus if you arrive on Wednesday, January 2. Visit the orientation website to sign up for free transportation from the Hilo airport to campus. Sign up for the free airport shuttles will begin on October 1 and end on December 21. If you arrive in Hilo earlier than January 2, you will need to take a taxi (or Uber or Lyft) from the Hilo airport to your destination.

Can I take a taxi or bus to UH Hilo or hotels in Hilo?

UH Hilo is located about 10 minutes from the Hilo Airport. Taxi fare to UH Hilo residence halls is about $20-$25, excluding baggage charges and the customary tip of 10-15%, and are available at the Hilo airport. Other options include Uber or Lyft . There is a public bus that stops at the Hilo airport, but it does not run frequently.

Sign Up for Orientation

When does orientation for international students begin?

All international students are required to attend a special orientation session for new international students on Thursday, January 3 at 8:00 am. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Bring your passport (and, if you are a student on an F-1 visa, also bring your I-20 Form and proof of health insurance). At the orientation meeting, you will learn about important information, such as registration for classes, placement tests, adjusting to life at UH Hilo and on the Big Island, cultural differences, and much more. You will begin to make life-long friends! You will also get your UH ID card, TB test, and a tour of campus. There will also be opportunities to go shopping. There is no fee required to participate in this special orientation meeting for international students.

When does the campus-wide orientation begin?

The campus-wide orientation for all new students begins on January 3, following the special orientation session for international students. During orientation, you will participate in a series of events and activities before classes begin designed to welcome and orient you to UH Hilo. You will also be able to meet with an academic advisor to discuss your classes and make changes to your class schedule if necessary. There is a $50 fee to participate in the campus-wide orientation. We strongly recommend that you participate! Sign up online. Sign up for the campus-wide orientation will begin on October 1 and end on December 21.

Find a Place to Live

Can I live on campus in the residence halls (dormitories)?

Yes, if there is space available. To try to live on campus, you must submit a Housing application form and pay the $10 non-refundable fee. You will need your MyUH username and password to apply for housing online, as well as a credit/debit card to pay the required $10 housing application fee. If you do not have a credit or debit card, contact the Housing Office at uhhhouse@hawaii.edu and ask for an "override" so that you can apply online for housing. The Housing Office can enable you to submit an application online without a credit/debit card, and you will be billed later for the $10 housing application fee. Visit the University Housing website for more information about housing on campus.

How much does it cost to live on campus?

The cost varies depending on which residence hall you live in. Visit the Housing and Meal Plan Rates page for information on the room rates. In addition, you must purchase a meal plan if you live on campus in any residence hall except for Hale ʻIkena (which has a kitchen).

What are the advantages of living on campus?

Many students who live on campus like the convenience of being close to classrooms, the library, the dining hall, computer labs, and recreational facilities. Living in the residence halls also makes it easy for students to socialize with other students and get to know students from around the world.

What are the residence halls (dormitories) on campus like?

Our residence halls include both shared rooms and apartment settings. Children and spouses cannot be accommodated. More detailed information including room layouts and a list of things to bring are available on the Housing website.

Is there internet in the residence halls on campus?

Yes, WiFi and wired internet access is available for free in the residence halls on campus. There are also computer labs on campus where you can use computers and print (printing incurs a small fee per page).

Can I live off-campus?

Students can make their own arrangements to live off-campus. Some international students live in surrounding residential neighborhoods, where there are apartments offering shared housing arrangements within easy walking or bicycling distance. You will probably need to sign a housing contract or lease in such private housing. View more information on off-campus housing options. Here are some off-campus housing options(as PDF):

Hilo has an affordable bus system serving the Big Island, including the communities surrounding the UH Hilo campus. Taxis, Uber and Lyft are also available in Hilo. Some international students have bicycles or mopeds, and some purchase cars. Please note that parking cars on or near campus is often difficult and it can be quite expensive to own and maintain a car. Hawaiʻi State law requires automobile insurance for all drivers. Also, you will need a current International Driver’s License or get a Hawaiʻi State driver’s license to be able to own a car in Hawaiʻi.

Learn about Degree Requirements & Academic Advising

An academic advisor is usually a faculty member in your major/field of study. An academic advisor will assist you with selecting classes and help you make sure you are completing required courses for your program. He/she can also answer questions about careers in your field of study and graduate/professional school, and refer you to other resources on campus as necessary. If you are undecided about your major, or wish to change your major, the staff in the Advising Center will assist you. If you have been admitted into the English Language Institute, the Director of the English Language Institute will be your academic advisor until you complete your required English courses.

Who is my academic advisor?

You will have opportunities to meet with an academic advisor during Orientation. You should meet with an academic advisor during Orientation to make sure you are registering for appropriate classes. You will be assigned to a specific academic advisor about four weeks after the start of your first semester. You can then meet with your assigned academic advisor throughout the remainder of your time at UH Hilo.

Learn about English Placement Assessment Tests

You may be required to take one or more English placement assessment tests depending on your major, your previous academic history, and other factors. There are two different English placement assessment tests: the English Language Placement Assessment and the Writing Placement Assessment. The purpose of these tests is to make sure that you register for the appropriate classes.

What is the English Language Placement Assessment test? Do I have to take it?

The English Language Placement Assessment test is a test designed to measure the listening, grammar, and reading skills of people who are not native speakers of English. The Listening test has two parts. Part one is a multiple-choice test in response to audio-taped questions. Part two is an 18-minute lecture followed by a series of questions. The grammar and reading tests are multiple-choice. Most non-native English speakers must take this test. Find out if you have to take the test. You do not need to sign up in advance for this test.

Students who enter UH Hilo with a TOEFL score of at least 500 (paper-based TOEFL), 61 (iBT), or 5.5 IELTS are not required to take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Non-native English speaking students with English language test scores below these scores or with no test scores are admitted into the English Language Institute (ELI) and are required to take the ESL classes that are prescribed by the ELI.

Register for Classes

When do I register for classes?

Freshmen

The term "freshmen" refers to students who will enroll in a university for the first time and who have not attended another college or university prior to coming to UH Hilo. Freshmen can start registering on November 9.

Transfer and Exchange Students

Transfer and exchange students can start registering on November 13.

English Language Institute Students

You will register for classes during orientation in Hilo in January, after you take the required English placement assessment tests. The English Language Institute staff will assist you with registering for classes.

Graduate & Professional Students

Graduate and professional school students can start registering on November 18.

GPS will show you what classes you should register for. (Note to international exchange students: Disregard the classes that show up in GPS; instead, go to "Add Personal Choice" and select the classes that you want to register for.) Students planning to earn a degree from UH Hilo can contact Jim Mellon if you have questions or need advice about what classes to register for. International exchange students can contact Todd R. Shumway if you have questions or need advice. You will also have the opportunity to meet with an academic advisor during Orientation to discuss your class schedule, add classes, and/or make changes to your class schedule. You can access the UH Hilo catalog which contains descriptions of all courses and other important information. The Class Schedules are posted online.

The non-resident undergraduate tuition and fees for the Spring 2019 semester is $10,116 (tuition) and $224 (fees). Some international students participating in reciprocal exchange programs will pay tuition at their home university and not at UH Hilo. All international students must pay the mandatory student fees of $224 per semester.

Students from the Pacific Islands that do not have a 4-year university pay 1.5 times the resident tuition rate, which is $5,454 per semester.

Hilo is a small city with a moderate cost of living. The University estimates housing (shared room), food, transportation and personal expenses at approximately $1,400 every month; however, expenses can vary widely depending individual living conditions and preferences. When you first arrive, you will need enough money to pay for your tuition and fees, initial housing payment (rent and security deposit if living off-campus) as well as money for books, items for your room, and perhaps a mobile phone. These costs may make the first month’s expenses two or three times the normal monthly cost.

Can I work while I attend UH Hilo?

Yes, international students on F-1 student visas may work part-time (up to 20 hours per week when school is in session) on campus, although students are not guaranteed a job on campus. All jobs on campus are posted online . Students on J-1 visas must obtain approval from their sponsoring agency before working. Students from the FSM, Palau and the Marshall Islands) can work on-campus or off-campus.

Obtain a Student Visa

If you are coming from any country except Canada, follow the steps below to obtain an F-1 student visa to enter the U.S. (Students from Canada: See below for special instructions.) Students from the FSM, Palau and Marshall Islands are not required to have a visa to enter the U.S., so you can skip this section. Students coming to UH Hilo on a J-1 visa should contact their sponsoring agency for information on obtaining a J-1 visa.

How do I obtain my student visa?

Pay the required SEVIS fee (also called the "I-901 fee"). Note that you must have an I-20 form to pay this fee. UH Hilo sends you an I-20 form in the mail. Use the SEVIS ID number in the upper left corner of your I-20 form when you complete the I-901 SEVIS fee form. You should print a copy of your fee payment receipt and bring it with you when you enter the U.S.

Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to you. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants varies, so applying for a visa early is strongly recommended.

Go to your scheduled visa appointment to apply for your visa. Bring the following documents:

Students from Canada are not required to obtain a student visa to enter the U.S. for studies. However, Canadian students should present the following to the Customs and Border Protection Officer upon arrival in the U.S.:

Obtain Health Insurance

Do I need health insurance?

Yes. UH Hilo requires all international students on F-1 and J-1 visas to have health insurance. It is strongly recommended that international students not on visas (i.e., students from Pacific Island Compact of Free Association nations) also have health insurance. Adequate health insurance is essential because the U.S. government does not pay for medical expenses and medical care in the U.S. is expensive.

Health insurance must meet certain requirements. You can either purchase the University's student health insurance plan or purchase health insurance in your home country or from a US-based health insurance company. If you do not purchase the University's health insurance plan, you must have the health insurance company complete this health insurance form. The Director of International Student Services can suggest US-based health insurance plans that meet the University's requirements. Dependents who are in the U.S. are also required to have adequate health insurance.

Learn about Safety on Campus

UH Hilo and the Hilo community are generally very safe places to live with little crime. You should take precautions, however, such as locking your room and not leaving valuable items such as wallets, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, etc. unattended, and not walking alone at night off campus. The Campus Security website has more information about safety and security on campus.

Laws and cultural norms vary around the world about the topic of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and relationship violence, so it is important that international students understand the laws and expectations in the U.S. and at UH Hilo. Please take a few minutes to view this short video designed to provide international students with the facts about what sexual assault and consent is, how to prevent an assault from happening and what to do if one does occur. Counseling Services has more information about sexual assault and relationship violence, including points of contact for additional information.

Learn about Student Clubs & Organizations

Student organizations play a key role in the life of students. We urge you to get involved with organizations that give you experience in your major or in groups that share your interests and passions. UH Hilo has an active International Student Association that offers social activities and trips especially for international students throughout the year. In addition, UH Hilo has lots of other student clubs in which you can get involved.

Hawaiʻi’s climate is generally warm (17° to 30° Celsius) with a cool/rainy season from November to April. Casual clothing is appropriate for most situations. Bring a sweater or light jacket, an umbrella and comfortable walking shoes. Hilo receives a lot of rain, although much of it comes at night. Be prepared for cool evenings and warm days. Light cotton and other cool clothing is recommended. You can bring clothing to represent your home country for special occasions.

What other things should I bring with me?

You should bring adequate supplies of medicines that you need from home. Prescription medicines will be difficult get in the U.S. If you wear contact lenses, please bring an adequate supply or be sure that you can order them while you are out of your home country. If you wear glasses it is a good idea to bring an extra pair in case the glasses get lost or broken. Consider bringing the following:

The currency used in Hawaiʻi is the U.S. dollar. You can exchange money at any major airport, including the Honolulu airport, or at some of the major banks in Hilo. (Note, however, that money exchange is not available at the Hilo airport.) You may wish to open a bank account in Hawaiʻi after you arrive and obtain a debit/ATM card. If possible, we recommend that you bring a bank card (debit or credit) in your name that you can use in the U.S. You can use a bank card in almost all situations and a bank card is safer and more secure than cash. Please check with your home bank to be sure that you can use the bank card in the U.S.

Is there a bank near campus?

There is a Bank of Hawaiʻi ATM located on campus, and a variety of banks are located within walking distance of campus. When you arrive, you can open a bank account at the Bank of Hawaiʻi or a nearby bank.

Cell Phones

One of the things to consider before you leave for Hilo is what you want to do about a cell phone. You can buy inexpensive "pay-as-you-go" cell phones in Hilo, and buy minutes for calling, texting and data. Or you can buy a SIM card at a store in Hilo. If you want to bring your phone, you might want to consider a service offered through CampusSIMS . This service works with any unlocked GSM phone. The International Student Services office can give you a SIM card when you arrive in Hilo. Then you select a plan (as low as $35/month), pay for the service online, insert the SIM into your phone, activate it, and you can start using your phone as soon as you arrive in the U.S.! Another similar option is provided by J1SIMcards.com . No contracts are required and you can cancel any time. Plans start at $25/month. Contact the International Student Services office to request a free SIM card for your smart phone.

Enter the United States

For students coming to the U.S. on an F or J student visa: When you have obtained your U.S. student visa, you will are eligible to enter the U.S. If you are entering the U.S. for a new program you may not enter the U.S. sooner than 30 days before the Program Start Date on your I-20 form. When traveling you should be prepared to present the following documents upon request by a Customs and Border Protection Officer:

Passport with visa

Form I-20

Evidence of financial support

Note: Never pack your travel documents in your checked baggage. Have them readily available at all times.

Do not do the following…

Do Not use an I-20 issued by another school if you plan to attend UH Hilo.

Do Not enter on a B-2 (tourist) visa.

Do Not enter the U.S. under the visa waiver program or with a non-student visa you may already have in your passport.

Attend the Required Meeting for New International Students

All new international students must attend this meeting on Thursday, January 3 at 8:00 am at the Student Services Center Room W-201. Bring your passport (and, if you are a student on an F-1 visa, also bring your I-20 Form and proof of health insurance). At the orientation meeting, you will learn about important information, such as registration for classes, placement tests, adjusting to life at UH Hilo and on the Big Island, cultural differences, and much more. You will begin to make life-long friends! You will also get your UH ID card, TB test, and a tour of campus. There will also be opportunities to go shopping. There is no fee required to participate in this special meeting. See the campus map to locate the Student Services Center.

Campus Security

We also encourage you to submit a Silent Witness report if you wish to remain anonymous and it's a non-emergency safety or security concern.

Campus Safety Concerns

The safety of the community and its members is very important to us. If you become aware of a situation that you believe may pose a threat, please submit a Student of Concern form to the UH Hilo Care Team.

Physical Health Resources

If you are having a medical emergency and require immediate assistance, please call 911.

Mental Health Resources

Office hours are 7:45am - 4:30pm, Mondays through Fridays (except holidays). Emergencies or crises are handled as expediently as possible by an available counselor.

If you need assistance on an emergency or crisis basis outside of office hours:

If you would like to talk to someone on a crisis or emergency basis, or if you need assistance, please call the 24/7 Crisis Line of Hawaiʻi at 1-800-753-6879. This number will route you to local crisis mobile outreach services.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255. (Please note: if you call this number from a phone with an out-of-state number, you will be routed to a crisis support center local to that area code.)